Terminal countdown demonstration test
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A terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) is a simulation of the final hours of a
RSLS Abort (automated shutdown of the orbiter's main engines). Following the simulated abort, the flight crew was briefed on emergency egress procedures and use of the fixed service structure slidewire system.[1]
On some earlier shuttle missions, and Apollo missions, the test would conclude with the flight crew evacuating the launch pad by use of these emergency systems, but this is no longer part of the test.
Unmanned
solid-fuelled
rockets would not simulate an engine shutdown, as it is impossible to shut down a solid rocket after it has been lit.
TCDTs typically are carried out a few days before launch.
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
.
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